A facelift can give a more vibrant look.
Aging people who have begun to experience sagging skin in the face and neck area are the primary candidates for a facelift. This procedure is not intended to alter the patient's look; however, it does give a fresher, more youthful appearance. A full facelift requires the skin to be lifted and pulled tightly to decrease excess skin and the appearance of wrinkles. Before the surgery, the patient will undergo a detailed consultation with the surgeon, who will evaluate the face and discuss the patient's goals. The doctor will also evaluate the overall health of the patient to determine whether she is a good candidate for the surgery. There are certain issues or conditions which will cause concern among doctors and make the surgery inadvisable. These are known as contraindications.
Smoking
Those patients who smoke must quit at least two weeks before and after any cosmetic procedure. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, thus minimizing blood flow to the skin. According to the New York Times, many plastic surgeons refuse to operate on smokers, especially those seeking a procedure that involves shifting of the skin. Some doctors even require patients to submit urine tests to prove there are no traces of nicotine in the body. In addition, a patient may be required to sign a medical release form acknowledging the possibility of complications that may arise if there is nicotine still present in the blood.
Hypertension
Untreated hypertension may be cause for a physician to forgo performing a facelift. This condition may cause a facelift patient to experience more bleeding and undo stress on the heart.
Diabetes
Although people with diabetes can have plastic surgery, only those who are well-maintained are likely candidates for a facelift. According to Dr. George Commons, those who are 20% overweight become a concern. Another red flag with a diabetic patient is insulin-dependency. Higher blood sugar levels increase the body's chances of infection. Another issue with diabetics is narrow blood vessels, which impede healing time.
Blood Thinners
Those who are taking aspirin should inform their operating physician. Because it is a blood thinner, it may be advisable to avoid taking any aspirin for 5 to 7 days before the surgery. Other blood thinning agents are dietary supplements including vitamins A and E, as well as ginseng. The use of these should cease at least a week beforehand, as they can cause excessive bleeding during the procedure.
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